Tree Communications

Accessibility

Our policy

Tree Communications recognises and values the provision of information on this website in a format which is accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability.

To ensure that this happens, we have programmed our website following published accessibility guidelines. The site is developed using valid XHTML and cascading style sheets. You may confirm the validity of our XHTML using the following link:
XHTML1.0

What is an accessible website?

An accessible site is one that accommodates the full range of users. Designing for accessibility therefore means accepting that, for online information, there is:

no standard information user, and,

no standard device for browsing information

An accessible website does not exclude anybody due to:

their abilities, or

the method they choose to access the web

Accessible websites prioritise clear content, structure and ease of navigation over frilly aspects of design, however they also need not be visually unattractive, nor are they prevented from using the latest web technologies, provided that all information is still accessible to users.

If you struggle generally when using websites, using a mouse or reading web text, then here are a few tips on making our site more user friendly for yourself.

1. Make text larger

You may also use your browser settings to change the text size for all the websites that you visit. The technique for doing this is slightly different depending on the browser that you use:

Internet Explorer 7/8: Select the 'Page' menu, then one of the options under 'Zoom' or 'Text Size'. The default setting is 'Medium'

Internet Explorer 6: Select the 'View' menu, and select one of the options under 'Text Size'

Opera: Select the 'View' menu, then one of the 'Zoom' percentage options

Netscape: Select the 'View' menu, then one of the 'Text Zoom' options

Other browsers may also have similar options available. Please consult the documentation provided with your browser if similar options to the ones above aren't available.

2. Navigate using your keyboard

You can use your keyboard to help you move around the page:

(use the enter key to navigate to that page once you have selected link you require)

Tab: Move forwards through links.
Shift + Tab: Move backwards through links.
Page Up / Page Down: Move up and down the page.
Home: Jump to the top of the page.
Alt + left arrow: Back a page.
Alt + right arrow: Forwards a page.

3. Alternatives to using a mouse.

If you are a Windows user and have difficulties using a mouse, you might prefer to use tools such as "MouseKeys". This allows you to use the number pad on your keyboard to move the pointer. MouseKeys can be turned on by pressing the key combination Left Shift + Left Alt + Num Lock.
If this doesn't work, you can do it via Accessibility options within Control Panel:
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel (or Start -> Control Panel in Windows XP). Click Accesibility Options and then the Mouse tab (or press Ctrl + Tab until it is at the front), and turn on MouseKeys.

4. Bookmark your favourite pages

To find your favourite pages again quickly, Press Ctrl + D (in most browsers) to add the page which you are viewing to your Bookmarks. You can also do this in the toolbar Favourites menu (called Bookmarks if you use Safari browser on the mac).

5. Use a speech browser

You might find it easier to have the website read out. There are various options for screen readers and talking browsers. The BBC has published information which you may find useful if you wish to use such technology. Follow this link to view information on making your computer talk .